ADAPTIVE LESSON PLAN POLICY
Dance Habit is committed to balancing staff wellbeing whilst minimising impact to class continuity.
We recognise that sick leave often comes with short notice, inevitably causing some level of disruption.
As a small team, we actively choose to prioritise the wellbeing of our staff. This includes honouring sick leave but also protecting the work/life balance of other team members (who could otherwise be pushed over capacity to cover absences).
We will not bring in external teachers without first pre-screening them to meet our child safety obligations. For this reason and others, securing external cover has proven both challenging and counterproductive to our students’ progress.
This Policy applies to Middle School (Prep to Year 12) and Adult School classes only. Preschool lessons will be covered internally or cancelled and refunded in the event of staff illness.
A more effective solution
When a teacher calls in sick, we will combine their class with another class, focusing on common elements that can benefit both dance styles.
Pre-planned lessons are being developed for use in these circumstances. Depending on the groups in the room, the focus may be an area of technique, progressions, rhythm and musicality, dance conditioning, choreography, sequencing and retention or expression and performance.
It is important to note that where a Tap class is combined with another class, Tap shoes will be removed for that lesson.
Lesson plans are being carefully considered to ensure all students receive valuable instruction with minimal disruption to progress.
This approach allows us to maintain continuity and provide a meaningful learning experience for all of our dancers, despite the temporary absence of their regular teacher.
Communication
Where possible, we will endeavour to communicate to students and families any staff illness resulting in a combined class plan, however, this is subject to notice so may not always be feasible.
Students may opt for a make-up lesson instead of a combined class in these instances. See our Make-Up Lesson Policy.
Frequent class disruptions
We are hopeful that this Policy will only be used occasionally, however, there is of course the chance for it to occur more frequently given illness cannot be planned or anticipated.
Should the same class be impacted more than once in a four-week period, we invite you to request a credit for any combined class not attended.
Please direct any concerns or questions about this Policy to us by email or here in the first instance.